Freight Train

by Sapphire Knight

  “Kash, I won’t let that happen. If it means I don’t run the ball today, then that’s fine. I’ve got your back, always.”

  He takes a deep breath and nods, relaxing a little. “Good, I appreciate it. I know I can count on you, twelve. Okay, time to go win a football game.”

  “Let’s do it.” I smile, and fist bump him, ready to own the field.

  I hate it that my QB was right, but this fucker keeps charging Kash, on a mission. My shoulders have taken one hell of a beating, fending Gomez off. I promised him that I’d protect him, though, so no way am I switching spots.

  Gomez is built like a goddamn tank. I know he’d ruin Kash if he got the chance, but I’m the Freight Train for a reason. I have speed and strength. He may be a tank, but I’m built to play multiple positions, so where he’s all muscle, I have power and quickness that he can’t match.

  The downside is it’s wearing me down to keep fighting him on every play. So now my body’s becoming too tired to help my own crew—the defense. The other team is pummeling D without me helping get a few sacks in, but there’s nothing I can do. Niner has to step up and work twice as hard for it. Our quarterback’s safety is top priority, always. Without him to fire off plays and passes, we don’t win at all.

  Heading toward the line, Kash shouts ‘Nancy.’ There’s no way I can fend Gomez off and run Nancy. That’s our two-toss play that we’ve been practicing all week long when I haven’t been being punished by Coach for losing my temper. As much as I love the play, it won’t work for us today.

  “Call a time out!” I yell before everyone’s in place and Kash shoots his hands up, giving the signal for a timeout to the refs and Coach Stratton.

  The whistle blows, and we come together, “What’s going on, Owens?” he asks when we hit the huddle.

  “No way can I run Nancy and still protect you. I can’t be in two places at once, and I won’t break my promise about your safety.”

  “Fine.” He thinks for a second then glances at JJ. “We switch it up. Instead of me tossing the ball to JJ and then him throwing it to you, we’ll do this...” He trails off changing around the play.

  We line back up with a plan and I’m shitting a brick like no other. JJ’s in the QB spot, ready to toss the ball to Kash. He counts down, the ball shot gunned to him from the center and quickly tossed to Kash. The defense on the other team scrambles to keep up and charge Kash, but before they get anywhere near him, he rockets the ball in my direction.

  I have to leap a little to make the clean catch, but it plays out beautifully, and I’m gone. Holding that tough leather, cradled tightly in my arm, my legs pump ferociously, on fire from being used against Gomez and being abused all week by my coach. One foot in front of the next, running, I watch as I pass my teammates and they throw the other players out of my way, giving me a clear path.

  The goal’s in sight, that touchdown is nearly close enough that I can taste it. My lungs burn as I force myself to breathe evenly and push my body hard, going as fast as possible. Not skipping a beat, I charge forward, never faltering and cross over the painted line signifying my personal victory.

  Thinking of the woman who means the most to me now, I scan the crowd, picking her out and the large man wearing a baseball hat low on his forehead next to her, who no doubt is her father, Chaos. Pointing my ball toward her, a smile overtakes her, lighting up her face as she jumps up and down.

  The fans around her go nuts, loving it that I made another public declaration for them to witness. They all start chanting, ‘Freight Train!’ in response. Everyone close by pats her back or shoulders, telling her that Alabama loves her and they should. Anyone in their right mind who knows Kadence Winters knows she’s special.

  Tapping my chest, I mouth, “For you.”

  Some may think it’s a little obnoxious, but I couldn’t care less about what they believe. I want the world to know she’s my woman and I’m her man, heart and soul. She no doubt owns both.

  Kadence kisses the palms of her hands and then shows them to me. She’s got a number one, and then a number two painted on her palms and once again her thoughtfulness takes me by surprise. It’s her response that fills me fuller, knowing that she understood my public display wasn’t about any of them, but because I was thinking about sharing my victory with her.

  “Nice to meet you, sir.” Tyler shakes my dad’s hand before he sits down at the table with us. I asked him to meet my father and me for dinner instead of trying to bum-rush him right after the game was over. I figured it’d give him a chance to calm down a bit and take a long shower. Those hits he was taking in the game were no joke, and I know he must be sore.

  “Good game, young man.”

  “I appreciate that.” Ty nods and grabs my hand. “I mean no disrespect at your table, but I’m going to kiss my girl hello.”

  I think his statement catches my father completely off guard and he just nods, watching Tyler lean over to give me a soft, chaste kiss. My dad sits back, probably relieved that the lip lock was brief and respectful. If Ty had tried to slip me some tongue, my father most likely would’ve flown across the table, and Ty’s cheek is already sporting a bruise from the rough game he just finished playing.

  “Something to drink, sir?” the server approaches, asking Tyler.

  “Water, please.”

  She nods, placing his menu down before she leaves to get his beverage.

  “Tell me, Owens, what’s the game plan with my daughter?” He cuts straight to the big question, and I cringe.

  Timing Dad, geesh.

  “I care about her very much.”

  “Enough to wrap it up?”

  “Dad!” I gasp, astonished at his extremely personal question. We’re out at a restaurant for Christ’s sake.

  The waitress returns, setting the glass down. “Are you ready?”

  “I’ll have the sirloin please, well done with fries, and ranch....and ummm, a baked potato, loaded,” I answer quickly to cut off my dad’s probing that I know will be coming any moment.

  “I’ll have a burger, well done with bacon and barbecue sauce with fries, please.” Ty pops off something random without glancing at his menu.

  My dad grunts, clearly not happy with Ty ordering nearly the same thing he does whenever we eat out. “I’ll have a burger, well done with bacon and an egg on it, over medium with fries also.”

  “Sounds good, I’ll have it right out.” The older lady smiles, taking our menus, heading straight for the kiosk.

  Ty clears his throat. “To answer your question sir, of course, Kadence’s safety and well-being are my top priority when we’re together.”

  “Only when you’re together? If she’s your girlfriend, shouldn’t it be your concern all the time?”

  “Yes, I mean when we’re intimate.”

  “Don’t say that word to me, twelve,” my dad rumbles, clearly forgetting his promise he made me that he’d take it easy on my boyfriend.

  “I’m sorry, Tyler,” I apologize, embarrassed that my dad’s being such a hardass.

  “Don’t apologize, Kadence.” My dad butts in. “I have every right to question him. You’re my daughter, and if he wants to date you without any issues, then he’ll be up front.”

  “Excuse me, sir,” Ty says, remaining polite even though I can see he’s a little irritated. “No disrespect, but no one, not even Kadence’s father, will dictate how my life is. I’ve worked my ass off to get where I am, buried two parents at fifteen and made my way into college. I get good grades and have great recommendations from past teachers. I’ve helped my brothers take care of a ranch, among other things, and I’ll be damned if one person will keep me from someone that I love. Life’s too short, and I’m too hardheaded to let that happen.”

  My dad stays quiet for a few moments, mulling over everything he just heard and then nods.

  “So you love my daughter then? From my understanding, it’s only been a few weeks.”

  “You’re right about that, we’ve officially be
en dating for two weeks, but she’s been mine since I first laid eyes on her,” he states boldly, my heart thumping so fast in my chest from his admission that he loves me and his bravery for standing up to my father. I can’t believe that he loves me, the player who never had a serious girlfriend and did whatever he wanted with whoever he wanted before I came along and bumped into him.

  He loves me...ME.

  And he said it to my dad of all people. Trust me when I say my father’s extremely intimidating, especially now, armed with a leather cut, gun, motorcycle, and being the size of a real-life defensive lineman. Ty may play the same position sometimes, but my dad had years to gain his size and muscle mass. If he wanted to, he could fold Tyler up like a lawn chair.

  “You’ve got balls, son. It’s refreshing, and I respect you for it. Make no mistake, though; you hurt my girl, and your ass will no longer have a pair hanging between your legs. Got me?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Good. Now stop saying sir and call me Chaos.”

  “Yes, sir,” he replies, then catching himself, “I mean, okay, Chaos.”

  My dad takes a drink of his orange juice, and the waiter brings us our food. Once all the testosterone calmed down, I had an amazing time, being with the two men in my life that mean the most to me. I can’t stop going back to the fact that Ty said he loves me, and to my father no less. He didn’t say it directly to me, but at least I know that the feelings are there, that I’m not the only one drowning in affection. Now if I can get my dad to filter himself a little more, I’d really be happy.

  “You riding back with me, Pretty?” Ty asks when we’re heading toward the restaurant parking lot.

  “You don’t want to ride the bike?” My dad mumbles, staring at me like a giant kid.

  “Well, you’re going to the hotel, and Ty lives a few streets away, so it would be smart if I just catch a ride with him.”

  “I don’t mind.”

  “No, Dad,” I reply firmly, with love. He has to see me as an adult from now on, not just his little girl. “Thanks, but I’ll go with him and see you tomorrow.”

  “You got it, Pumpkin. We can have lunch before I head out.”

  “Wait, you’re leaving tomorrow? But you just got here.”

  “I have some stuff to take care of with the guys, plus Owens here seems to have a good watch on you. I don’t think he’d let anything hurt you or anyone male near you, for that matter.” He glances at my boyfriend, and Ty nods in agreement.

  Damn alpha males.

  “All right, text me in the morning once you’re up and you’ve had some coffee. Love you.”

  “Love you, too, kid.” He kisses my forehead and turns back to Ty. “Nice meeting you, son. I’ll check in on you occasionally.”

  “You too, Chaos.” Tyler shakes my dad’s hand and leads me to his truck as we hear my father’s motorcycle come to life behind us.

  “Did you have a good dinner?” he asks, opening the truck door so I can climb in. His ball cap’s pulled low, his hair curling around it slightly from being put on right after he showered. That worn out hat is so damn sexy, I just want to jump him right here.

  “Yes, did you?”

  “Yeah. I wish I got his autograph, though. I figured that’d be pushing it.”

  Laughing, I kiss his lips. “I’ll get it for you.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yes, I promise. He won’t mind.”

  “Thanks, Pretty.” He smiles bigger and kisses me again before driving us back to his house where he rewards me all night long.

  When my body gets tired, my mind says,

  “This is where winners are made.”

  When my mind gets tired, my heart says,

  “This is where champions are made.”

  - Baylor Barbee

  Weeks pass us by in a blur after that night spent introducing Tyler to my father. Now the phone calls from my dad come more frequently, checking in on me and wishing Ty good luck in some sort of way. I’m happy to hear from him more, too. I’d missed him. I should’ve known he’d play a hard-ass toward Ty, but in the end, he’d be supportive of us. He’s been that way my entire life. I think being away from him made me forget that he only wants what’s best for me.

  November’s fast approaching and with the seasons steadily changing, I’m a little sad that it may be too chilly to go swimming again out at the ranch. We had a great time together before, and I was hoping it’d become a regular occurrence, but traveling for football and classes has kept Ty and me both busy.

  He made me promise that we’d go out to the ranch next weekend, and I can’t wait to have the country air against my skin again. I feel like I can just breathe out there. No one’s rushing to classes and spilling coffee everywhere or letting doors close on you because they’re in too much of a hurry to show some kindness.

  Not only that but for Ty to be pressed up against me as well. We’ve been apart a lot lately, more so than we were in the beginning, and it’s taking a toll on us. I miss him—his smell, his smile, just having him near me. I want to be able to spend time with him every single day, but I know right now it’s just not possible and I have to make myself okay with that. Most days I’ll head over to the football field and do my homework in the stands so I can watch him practice and just be at the same place as him.

  Thankfully, his teammate, Briggs, hasn’t attempted to speak to me again. I guess Tyler’s message was loud and clear that I’m off limits and I’m beyond grateful. I can’t believe he’s remained on the team for this long with all the evil stuff he’s pulled. I hope one day he gets caught and all those women affected receive some sort of justice. I’m glad Ty, JJ, and Chandler are keeping an eye on him. A creep like that deserves to go to jail.

  “Thinking about Mr. Hot Pants again?” Brianne bumps me with her shoulder as we sit under our favorite tree on the campus lawn.

  “When do I stop thinking about him?” Grinning, I pluck some grass and toss them at her.

  “Ugh, I know, it’s gross.” She rolls her eyes and smiles. She’s enjoying this teasing me lately, way too much.

  “Oh whatever, all I hear about from you is, ‘Kash this and Kash that.’ You have it bad too. Are you guys ever going to be a couple?” Kash seems like a decent guy; he’s full of talent and is very well spoken when he’s around. I think he comes from a wealthy family, but Brianne hasn’t mentioned anything that personal about him.

  “Your guess is as good as mine. I don’t know what’s holding him back; we’re together all the time. He just takes things slow, I guess.” She shrugs. Slow isn’t normal for her so I know she has to be going nuts inside waiting for him to do something about it.

  “As long as you’re happy, that’s what matters.”

  “Right.” She nods, not as cheerful anymore, confirming my suspicions.

  “Hey, it’ll happen. They have a full month of games left, then they’ll be home all the time, and I’m sure Kash will be ready for more. It’s probably too difficult to concentrate on so much going on when you’re the Captain of the football team. Mix it with classes and all this traveling; I bet he’s exhausted.”

  “You know what? You’re probably right. I think they’re all a little nervous with the NFL watching so close right now. Kash and Ty want to be picked up in the draft this year along with most of the other guys, so I understand their focus. It’s just, well, it’s frustrating. I need to be patient because I like him.”

  “I know, believe me. I miss Ty like crazy. They need our support and understanding right now.”

  “What are you going to do if he goes to a team that’s far away?”

  Shrugging, I bite my lip, worrying about losing him already. “I guess all I can do is just hope that he’ll ask me to go with him.”

  “You’d leave with him? Really? It’s so soon, though.”

  “Well, April’s still months away, so I think by then if he asked me, yes, I’d probably go with him.”

  “Your dad would lose his mind.”

/>   “I would’ve believed that before if I’d brought it up to him, but he’s met Tyler, and he knows that we care for each other a lot. I think as long as I was to finish out school wherever we went, then my dad would be okay with it.”

  “You’re lucky; I don’t think Kash would ask me to go with him.” Tears begin to fill her eyes, and I pull her in for a side hug.

  “You’re being a dramatic Debbie-downer. Give the guy a chance. I never thought Tyler would be the type of guy to be in a committed relationship, but he is. It was just timing and wanting it bad enough. You like Kash, so give him some time to make those decisions himself.”

  “A few months ago if you’d have told me that you’d be giving me advice on my love life, I’d never have believed you.”

  “Ugh, you can be such a snot sometimes,” I tease, making her smile again. “I have to get to class, but I’ll see you later?”

  “You bet. See ya, woman.” She waves as I start the trek to my next class.

  “Did you get the videos yet?” I question Chandler after our afternoon practice.

  “Lila’s supposed to give them to me tonight and Haley in the morning.”

  JJ lets out a relieved breath, muttering, “Thank God. It’s been three weeks since she said that she’d help. I’m sick of having to see Briggs every day when all I want to do is punch him in the nuts.”

  “Me too and I can’t stand having him on the same field when Kadence is around. I swear if I see him look at her I’m going to go ballistic,” I grumble. And I’m also tired of seeing Chandler look so damn broken having to go between two women so we can get the help that we need to bust this scumbag once and for all. It’s taking a toll on Chan mentally, and I need him to be completely focused on the games, not this mess.

  “I think we should go to the Dean first thing tomorrow with the videos, knock it out before Briggs has a chance to hurt anyone else.”

  “I agree.” JJ nods.

  “Sounds good. Should I text Nate to come with us too, or wait? He could be an outside witness for what happened at the ranch.”